‘Through Water and Fire’ Available Now!
Shortlisted for the Historical Association Young Quills Award for historical fiction 2024
Sent to live with her aunt and cousins in the opulent surroundings of Lockwood Hall, Grace is desperate to impress. But everything she does leads from bad to worse, and soon she is faced with losing her only friend and being sent home in disgrace.
When she stumbles across a deadly secret, she must decide whether to protect herself and her future, or risk everything to save the life of a criminal.
From the author of ‘Out of the Smoke’ comes a gripping mystery set in the perilous world of Tudor England at the dawn of the Reformation.
Available now from all good bookshops.
Praise for ‘Through Water and Fire’
“A story of faith, friendship and having the courage of your convictions.” Ally Sherrick, award-winning author of ‘Black Powder’ and ‘The Queen’s Fool’
“A compelling Tudor adventure full of hurtling pursuits and perilous secrets. Rich in historical detail, the story nevertheless echoes timeless themes of friendship, justice – and the freedom to believe differently. I found it hard to put down.” Barbara Henderson, two time Young Quills award winner
“Has everything you could want from a book – memorable characters, peril galore, evocative description, heart-thudding drama and nail-biting personal dilemma.” Susan Brownrigg, author of ‘Kintana and the Captain’s Curse’ and the Gracie Fairshaw Mysteries
Call the Poor – Part 3
An ‘Out of the Smoke’ Short Story Part 3 Part 1 – Part 2 – Part 3 Once the group was safely back in the dim warmth of the kitchen, Daniel turned to Clara and held out a hand. “Give it here, young lady,” he growled. Clara hesitated, then with a scowl she took out the pen-knife and dropped it into Daniel’s outstretched palm.…
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Through Water & Fire: Free sample
Prologue“In the begynnynge …” White stars shone fiercely over the deep black waters of the North Sea as the Greyhound slid into Blakeney port. Newly arrived from Europe and riding low in the water, she groaned and listed as the helmsman brought her in alongside the quay. Ropes were cast, oars shipped, lanterns lit, and the gangway lowered to the shore. After two long…
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Bridging the gap
‘Out of the Smoke’ Author’s Commentary Chapter 5: The Eagle and Child The two boys left Aggie’s shop with their pockets heavy and their hearts light. ‘Out of the Smoke’ Chapter 5: The Eagle and Child When JRR Tolkien was writing ‘The Two Towers’ he came to an impasse at the end of the first half, later writing, “and there as the beacons flared…
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Listen to the first two chapters of ‘Out of the Smoke’
Listen to the opening of ‘Through Water and Fire’
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Matthew Wainwright, Children's Author 